Like golfers avoiding any mention of the word “shank,” football coaches don’t find much enjoyment in talking about another team’s losing streak.

Said Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen of Buffalo’s current seven-game skid: “I think injuries obviously have a big factor in it. That’s the way of the National Football league, and that’s why your young players have got to grow up early, and your backup players have got to be able to step up when they’re called upon.

“That’s just the way of the game, and I think it’s been unfortunate for them that they’ve lost a couple of guys that have been really impactful players for them on offense, specifically.”